The executive of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) decided today to recommend acceptance in a ballot that will take place between September 9 and September 23.

The other second-level teachers’ union, the Association of Secondary Teachers’ Ireland (ASTI) is considering its position at a meeting of its executive tomorrow.

The positive signal from the TUI suggest that the three-year row over the introduction of a new style Junior Cert is over.

The latest proposals were worked out over the Spring and early Summer in intensive negotiations between the Department of Education and teacher union leaders,.

TUI President Gerry Quinn said that the union executive had “comprehensively analysed the proposals and consider that they meet and allay the deep concerns expressed by teachers both in terms of assessment of students and the time and resources required by teachers and schools to implement the proposed new Junior Cycle programme.’

Mr Quinn said that their “significant concerns about additional bureaucracy” had been adequately addressed, noting that “responsibility for the administration and assessment of the Junior Certificate will remain with the State Examinations Commission and will not be foisted on schools.

“Our principled and consistent position has always been that elements of previous proposals posed grave threats to the quality of the Irish education system and its service to students.’

“We believe that the latest negotiated proposals will enhance second level education while protecting the working conditions of teachers. The proposals outline a progressive and positive way forward.”